The Bronx Stop: A Yankees Blog

**Official Press Release**

Yankees sign two: The Yankees announced the signings of outfielder Jason Rees and catcher Eladio Rodriguez to Minor League contracts on Wednesday, plucking both players from the Israel Baseball League.

Rees, 23, batted .362 (47-for-130) with seven doubles, leading the league in home runs (17) and RBIs (50) in 42 games for the league champion Bet Shemesh Blue Sox, managed by former Yankee and original designated hitter Ron Blomberg.

A native of Newcastle, Australia, Rees was awarded the league's Co-Defensive Outfielder of the Year honors and was named to the IBL South All-Star team.

Rodriguez, 28, received the Hank Greenberg Award as the IBL's Co-Most Valuable Player after leading the league with a .461 batting average (47-for-102) and a 1.000 slugging percentage.

In 34 games at catcher with the Modi'in Miracle, he led the club with 16 home runs and 44 RBIs and was named to the IBL South All-Star team.

The Israel Baseball League is the first professional baseball league in the Middle East. Players from nine nations, including a dozen Israelis, competed in the league's initial season in 2007.

CLICK HERE FOR JASON REES PLAYER BIO FROM IBL
CLICK HERE FOR ELADIO RODRIGUEZ PLAYER BIO FROM IBL